Independent Garage

Workshop controllers or workshop supervisors are responsible for looking after a team of technicians and providing sufficient guidance to enable them to carry out good levels of repair on motor vehicles.

Duties may vary between employers but will typically include:

• Responsibility for the efficient running of the workshop
• Delegating workloads to the rest of the team
• Advising customers on minor technical problems
• Building good customer relationships
• Maintaining high levels of customer service including dealing with customer complaints
• Gaining authorisation from customers to carry out additional work
• Ensuring good housekeeping and security in the workshop
• Managing workshop productivity

As a workshop controller you will need to demonstrate:

• The ability to build and maintain good customer service
• Excellent leadership and people skills
• Good organisational skills
• The ability to motivate staff
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in using IT software
• A professional appearance
• The ability to coach and develop team members
• Good customer orientation

You will need a strong knowledge of automotive technology and possess good management and leadership skills. This role is ideal for someone who has been working within the industry in a workshop or service environment.

You should be qualified to a level 3 in a technical field and some employers may also desire a level 3 qualification in business and administration or some sort of management training at this level. Alternatively, employers may focus more on your personality - your ability to lead others in the right direction.

Qualifications

IMI Awards

Level 4 Certificate in Automotive Management (QCF)

Institute of Chartered Management

Level 4 Qualification in Management and Leadership (QCF)

Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.

Most technicians work 40 hours a week from Monday to Saturday. This may include some shift and overtime work. You will carry out the majority of your work in a workshop environment. Some tasks may be physically demanding although you will use lifting equipment to move heavy parts.

Salary:

• Once qualified, a workshop controller can expect to earn in the region of between £18,000-£30,000

There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.

Normally, you would progress onto this level via your employer; however the following routes are also available:

• Train at work, in a dedicated training facility managed by the employer; many manufacturers offer apprenticeship programmes that involve training at specially equipped centres
• Study on day release at local colleges or with training providers whilst in employment
• Attend college, or a private training provider who will organise work placements

Workshop controllers usually progress into role after experience as a diagnostic or master technician.

Experience in:

• Experience in a Workshop or Service environment
• Qualified to a Level 3 in a Technical field
• Management training

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